The NBA Cup has reached the semifinals, and we have both matchups on our DraftKings DFS slate. Try our DraftKings NBA Lineup Optimizer to discover more expert recommendations, customize the player pool, set exposure percentage and mass-enter DFS lineups.
The Knicks/Magic lineup will have an earlier tip-off at 5:30 p.m. ET, so we'll have less time than usual to get our entries in. Per usual, a small slate requires us to correctly identify our elites and find the absolute best values to cancel out high costs. If you're playing a tournament, a nearly-perfect lineup might not be enough. A strategy of H2H and 3-player contests is my preferred method with this slate size.
NBA Games Today
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I've made no secret of my preferred team today. The Knicks were my preseason pick for the title, and the Cup gives them an opportunity to make a statement about their potential. The possible final of this Cup matches my NBA Finals picks exactly, and my preference was to highlight both teams. Megastar Victor Wembanyama is likely back today, and he'll spoil the Knicks' party if he can log enough minutes.
NBA Injury Report
For all the latest updates, visit RotoWire's NBA Injury News page and our comprehensive NBA Injury Report. Below are some of the most recent and relevant injuries for Saturday. Keep in mind that this is not a complete list. Use your best judgment when evaluating ongoing injury scenarios elsewhere on the slate.
ORL Franz Wagner (ankle) - OUT
Wagner could be out for at least 2 weeks, and recent metrics suggest that Tristan da Silva ($3,800) is the best budget pivot for this spot. I would prefer to load up more on Desmond Bane ($7,700) or Paolo Banchero ($8,100), but today's matchup looks like a better spot for Bane.
SAS Victor Wembanyama PROBABLE
Wembanyama could make a return for the Cup semifinal, but there's no current word about his restrictions. Despite the knockout environment, I expect the Spurs to move slowly in bringing their superstar back.
Elite NBA DFS Picks
With no further information about Wembanyama's projected usage, we can safely eliminate his slate-high salary. The other player holding a five-figure salary is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($10,400), and although he's very viable tonight, I might elect to make a play for a player who could replicate SGA's guard production at a slightly lower cost.
That player is Jalen Brunson ($8,700), who is set up better against the Magic. I'm also absolutely fine with stacking Karl-Anthony Towns ($9,100) alongside him, although electing for more diversity might be a safer play. Brunson/SGA is a costly guard stack, but I won't rule it out. If you have to pick one, I'd go with Brunson.
In the $8k range, we have Banchero and De'Aaron Fox ($8,600), but I think we can utilize our bankroll elsewhere. We already discussed a reference for Bane in this game, and Fox could get some production stolen from him with the rest of the team at full health.
Expected Chalk and Value NBA DFS Picks
Jalen Williams, OKC ($8,000) vs. SAS
While Williams would have been 100% chalk without Wembanyama, I still believe a big game might be in store. He lines up well opposite San Antonio's wingmen, and Isaiah Hartenstein's return should help to neutralize the potential Wemby/Luke Kornet combo under the basket. There's minimal negative correlation with SGA, so an OKC-favored stack with the two stars is a reasonable avenue.
Mikal Bridges, NYK ($6,600) @ ORL
We're going to continue with our lean into the Knicks with our following two selections. I don't think you can go wrong with Josh Hart, but I'll take Bridges and his steady production at a slightly lower salary point. His floor isn't as reliable as Brunson's, but if you are leaning OKC elsewhere, Bridges is a good way to get involved in the offense for a lower price.
OG Anunoby, NYK ($5,900) @ ORL
Anunoby has looked great since his return from the injury report, averaging 15.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 0.7 assists and 1.7 steals over the last three games. While it's not a spectacular average, it lines up well with his sub-$6k salary. Anunoby should be a profitable value add.
Dylan Harper, SAS ($4,900) @ OKC
I have to help you out with some lower options, so we'll dive down to Harper. I was somewhat concerned about how Harper would be affected upon Castle's return. Although he's going to be a bit more volatile moving forward, the Spurs want to give the rookie all he can handle. If he can stay close to 30 minutes in the second unit, he will have no problem beating 5x value in this spot.
Cason Wallace, OKC ($4,200) vs. SAS
Wallace is the other bargain option I will offer for salary cap relief. On slim slates, we sometimes need to punt an option to maximize our exposure to elite talent, and Harper or Wallace represent a way to achieve that role. We run out of guard positions if we use both, so here's a short list of values at other positions that will help keep costs down.
- SF/PF Aaron Wiggins, OKC ($4,300)
- PG/SG Anthony Black, ORL ($5,400) (same position, but starter minutes)
- SG/SF Julian Champagnie, SAS ($4,600)
